The Winnipeg Jets arrived in Denver knotted 1-1 in their first-round series against the Colorado Avalanche, but now return home to Winnipeg with a 3-1 deficit. To call the two games on the road a disaster would be an understatement, and now, they face elimination in Game 5.
With the problems that have become apparent and their season on the line, which version of the Jets will fans see as they take to the ice for Game 5? Will they see the team that just took an absolute beat down in Denver? Or will some form of their regular season selves appear? Regardless, this is a statement game and carries a great deal of pressure, win or lose.
Penalties, Inconsistencies Give Avalanche Advantage
There are several fingers to be pointed, but some stand out among the rest. Notably, the penalty problem and the inconsistent game plans have derailed the Jets in these first few games. These in combination with each other have made it near impossible for them to claw out wins, and this was very apparent in Games 3 and 4.
The constant penalty-taking and the subsequent chaos that follows have ultimately been their downfall in several of the games. In Game 3 alone, two third-period power-play goals completely changed the game. Entering the third with a 2-1 lead, the Jets ended up surrendering five unanswered goals to lose 6-2.
You’d think that after that disaster, they would tighten things up and avoid the “bad penalty,” but Game 4 was no different. The Jets allowed two more power-play goals in a lopsided second period where they allowed four unanswered. It felt like another situation where the game was within reach, and a single penalty shifted the entirety of momentum to the Avalanche.
The other aspect of their struggles can be traced back to the inconsistencies in their game plan. Throughout the entire regular season, the Jets were praised for their defensive ability and ability to jump into the rush when needed. Now, it looks as if the defensive plan is to play passively and avoid taking risks.
By doing so, they’re allowing quite the opposite. They aren’t pressing enough and seemingly just allow the Avalanche to gain the zone and set up shop. Against the high-powered Avalanche, it’s impossible to prevent chances, but playing this passively also kills the ability to turn defence into offence.
Often buried deep in their own zone, any aggression is effectively nullified and the Jets’ transition game is no more. One of the best developments for the team this season is…
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